Plan a trip with the family to these top tourist attractions in Texas!
There’s no doubt Texas is a great place to live and visit. We have a wealth of things to see and do. I sometimes think I won’t be able to see it all in my lifetime. The Lone Star State, the second-largest state in the United States, can overwhelm a person, even a native like me. I hope to see it all, but if I don’t, I can at least write about it and share it with you all. Here are the top tourist attractions in Texas to put on your to-do list.
And take your time because these attractions in Texas are here to stay!
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Top Tourist Attractions In Texas
From the massive amusement parks in Texas to our wonderful national parks, historical sites, world-class museums, and beautiful beaches in the south (we think so), you’ll need to make several trips here to see all these top attractions below.
North Texas
Dallas World Aquarium
One of Texas’s most popular tourist attractions is the Dallas World Aquarium. The aquarium features an impressive collection of plants and animals from around the world. Some say it’s a zoo, too. Visitors can observe a diverse range of animal species on land, including snakes and lizards.
The aquarium’s massive ocean tank is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, seahorses, and jellyfish. Several exhibits feature plants and other wildlife native to North Texas. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium offers educational programs for schoolchildren and families.
The Dallas World Aquarium is in downtown Dallas’s West End Historic District—admission charge.
Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum features numerous beautiful gardens filled with flowers and plants during the spring season. It hosts special events throughout the year, including its top two, one in the spring and the other in the fall. Don’t miss the two historical mansions filled with art and furniture from days gone by—admission charge.
The Sixth Floor Museum (Dallas)
A museum dedicated to the events surrounding President John F. Kennedy’s life, assassination, and the legacy he left behind.
Here, Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President John F. Kennedy. This museum is dedicated to preserving history and educating visitors about the incident.
The Sixth Floor Museum is on the sixth floor of the old Texas School Book Depository building at Dealey Plaza and is one of the most popular attractions in Dallas—admission charge.
According to Viator, the Sixth Floor Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Texas.
Fort Worth Botanical Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is an award-winning public garden boasting over 13,000 plants from around the world and is open year-round. If you want to see it all, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time here. The gardens included are a Japanese Garden, a Desert Bonsai Display, a rose garden, and several others. It’s large, and you’ll do a lot of walking. We saw one restaurant, and it didn’t open until 11 am. Visitors can also participate in various events throughout the year, including Holiday Lights.
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is one of Texas’s best zoos. It features over 500 animal species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, which can be observed up close, and it is equipped with air conditioning. When the weather is almost unbearable in the summer, we go inside to cool off, but we are always amazed at the chimpanzees and other outdoor animals. Our favorite is the bears.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
There are three pools of water with beautiful waterfalls. It’s a nice area to rest or walk around. It’s stunning at night with lights that sparkle. Lots of plants and trees decorate the landscape. The garden is across the street from the Omni Hotel in downtown Fort Worth.
It’s free to roam. Parking may be challenging to find.
Fort Worth Stockyards
Fort Worth is known as the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” and it’s easy to see why. The city’s historic stockyards are home to shops, restaurants, bars, museums, a working cattle drive …and real cowboys! At the center of it is the Livestock Exchange Building, so don’t miss that. You may want to opt for a Fort Worth Stockyard Foodie & History Tour – get a bite while listening to the true history of the stockyards.
Six Flags Over Texas
An amusement park in Texas that many states north of Texas visit. Fun things happen here all day and into the night. I can’t count how many times I went as a kid, and the times I took my kids and grandkids. I am due to take my youngest and his friends, but I am waiting until they are old enough to want to ride all the roller coasters. Please save your money, because it’s not cheap! But it is the perfect place to have happy kids all day long.
FYI: Go as soon as it opens in the season and early for shorter lines and better parking spaces.
Update – I finally took my kid for Fright Night in October (2024). We went through a couple of haunted houses and rode a few rides. It was jam-packed, with long lines and parking costing around $30.
Central Texas
Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol, located in downtown Austin, is one of Texas’s most iconic buildings and one of the most impressive state capitols in the country.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the building or stroll through it at their leisure. Touring the State Capitol Building is a must, especially if you’re a Texan. I think I’ve only visited three times in my life.
Go all out with an Austin Small-Group Tour that provides an intimate exploration setting. As your guide takes you through the city, visit some of Austin’s most popular attractions, including the Texas State Capitol Building, Mount Bonnell, the Greetings from Austin Mural, Barton Springs Pool, and the Pennybacker Bridge. Plus, this tour includes a surprise food stop.
Read more about the tour at Best of Austin Tour with State Capitol and Mt. Bonnell.
Make a weekend of your visit. For a comfortable and convenient stay, explore short-term rentals in Austin on cozycozy, where you can compare top-rated options to find the perfect place for your Texas adventure.”
Austin is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Texas, boasting an iconic skyline and a famous music scene. Having the title Live Music Capital of the World, you can do more there besides touring the Capitol. Making a weekend out of your visit is easy, with live entertainment on every corner. It is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering numerous opportunities to hike, bike, camp, and kayak.
- Zilker Park
- Explore Austin’s nightlife on 6th Street and around town.
- All the lakes
- Hike the trails
Texas Hill Country
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll love the Texas Hill Country. It’s a haven for outdoor adventure, known for its natural beauty and scenic views. This region in Central Texas is known for its rolling hills, rivers, and lakes. The Hill Country is also home to several state parks that offer camping and hiking trails. The scenic drive alone is enough for me. The area also has many wineries, breweries, and distilleries open to the public.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
In the small town of Dripping Springs, you’ll find Hamilton Pool Preserve, with daring limestone cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. It was once a popular swimming hole, but swimming is no longer allowed. Jacob’s Well in Wimberley offers swimming and is worth a trip (I hear).
While in Dripping Springs, visit the visitor center and ask about the true “dripping springs,” and where it’s located. Ask if they have time to tell you how the town got its name. The springs are on private property and across the street from the visitor center.
Gruene (New Braunfels)
The Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels is a top attraction in itself that features several shops, boutiques, and restaurants with views of the river, including the Gruene Hall, one of Austin’s oldest dance halls. The banks of the Guadalupe River adorn the town. You can also rent inner tubes to float the river. There is a company around the corner from town where you can rent water toys–ask someone where it is if you can’t find it.
South Texas
The Alamo
The Alamo is the top national historic landmark in Texas, where visitors often spend a significant portion of their vacations. San Antonio attracts numerous visitors due to the Alamo. This historic site was initially built as a mission and later evolved into a frontier outpost. Now, it’s where we all convene to learn about our history in Texas. The gift shop offers a variety of Texas souvenirs, including books about the Alamo.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is probably the most popular attraction in Texas. It spans 10 miles between downtown San Antonio and Mission Reach Park at its northernmost point. The riverwalk features over 20 restaurants, hotels, and shopping options. If anything, you can enjoy strolling on the cobbled walkways along the river banks, viewing all the beautiful buildings and the landscape, and watching the riverboats full of people go by.
The riverboat cruises are fun as well. The tour guide tells the story of the buildings and the history of San Antonio, and I bet they will display information you never knew about. I think you’ll be in awe of it.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Texas’s largest cavern with awe-inspiring cavities and great guided tours. Hidden Wonders is the newest and biggest cave tour at Natural Bridge Caverns.
If you’re feeling it, the zip line course available now is a lot of fun. However, I have not been since it was added.
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, located next door, is a drive-through ranch featuring over 45 animals. Has a separate admission charge.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island (SPI) is a haven for Texans and out-of-state travelers. If you plan a trip, consider visiting SPI in the off-season to avoid crowds and get a cheaper hotel rate.
Popular activities and attractions in SPI include:
- Padre Island National Seashore
- Dolphin Tours
- Isla Blanca Park
- Visit the SPI birding and alligator sanctuary
- Sea Turtle Rehab and Rescue Center
- Build a Sandcastle
- Adventure Park
- Horseback riding on the beach
Space Center Houston
FYI. Space Center Houston is the official museum and Visitor Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
It is a great place to learn about the history of space exploration and get hands-on with some exciting exhibits. From seeing the actual Apollo 11 capsule, the Apollo 12 Lunar Module Simulator, and the Mission Control Center to learning how astronauts eat in space, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do here. It also has an IMAX theater, which shows various films yearly. Get your tickets here.
Houston Museum Of Natural Science
Learning about education with interactive exhibits is a unique experience: if it’s anything like the one in Fort Worth, you and your children will be amazed. See the planetarium and butterfly exhibit, and if it’s still there, check out the shark tank. Sharks have always fascinated me, but I wouldn’t want to get up close to one!!
Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum District of Houston is home to numerous museums, including this one, and features many local artists.
West Texas
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, a West Texas treasure, is a vast natural area that spans numerous square miles along the Rio Grande River. The park features mountains, desert landscapes, and acres of untouched land. Various wildlife species include bobcats, coyotes, javelinas, and many more that are often hidden from visitors.
Several hiking trails, biking trails, and kayaking opportunities are available along the riverbanks. No matter what season you visit Big Bend National Park, you will find something new each time. This park is excellent for nature lovers and adventurers of all levels.
It amazes me why this national park is on every list I research. It’s one of Texas’s top tourist attractions, yet it remains largely unvisited. That’s right, Big Bend National Park doesn’t receive many visitors because it’s so far from most people. Heck, I haven’t gone yet.
Cadillac Ranch
Just outside Amarillo lies Cadillac Ranch — a roadside attraction of 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first into an earthwork sculpture stretching across two miles of Texas highway I-40 near Amarillo in the state’s Panhandle region.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in southwestern Texas and extends into New Mexico. It includes a 24-mile stretch of mountains, several high plateaus, and desert valleys between El Paso, Texas, and Carlsbad, New Mexico.
It offers camping facilities and hiking trails that will appeal to hikers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a stunning destination in West Texas, located just 15 miles from downtown Amarillo.
The park offers numerous trails for visitors to explore, including those that lead to overlooks with breathtaking views of the canyon floor below.
East Texas
We can’t forget about beautiful East Texas. Although my research revealed a few top tourist attractions, I would like to add my own recommendations, as there is so much to see in the Piney Woods.
Sam Houston National Forest
Sam Houston National Forest, one of four National Forests in Texas, is 50 miles north of Houston. The forest covers 163,037 acres between Huntsville, Conroe, Cleveland, and Richards, Texas.
Word to the wise: Don’t pass up this national forest on your way to Houston from Dallas (or on your return). I finally stopped by and didn’t even get to the entrance, but I had the most divine drive along the highway, marveling at the forest trees.
What about Nacogdoches? It’s the oldest town in Texas.
Or Paris, Texas, where you can snap a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower. Okay, yes, it’s fake, but still, it’s an Instagrammable moment.
Caddo Lake State Park, where you can see large cypress trees.
Or what about all the other beautiful state parks? Now, go explore!
You may find this article interesting, too – Top Attractions In The Texas Panhandle.
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